RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:BC-2008-02984
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be updated to reflect award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He recommended the on-line site to other veterans and service members who were seeking assistance in obtaining certain benefits/entitlements; when he went on-line to make sure the site was working properly, he realized that his DD Form 214 did not reflect the DMSM that was presented to him at his retirement ceremony.

In support of his request, the applicant provided a copy of the DMSM Certificate and a copy of his DD Form 214.

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant served in the Regular Air Force and retired after serving 21 years, 2 months and 26 days, in the grade of master sergeant (E-7).  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial.  DPSIDR states that without the special order to validate the DMSM Certificate, entitlement to the DMSM cannot be verified.  DPSIDR contacted the applicant to let him know what document is required to validate this award; however, the applicant has not provided the special order.

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 26 September 2008 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice.  In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a certificate which was signed by the delegated approval authority for awarding the DMSM.  Even though, he was unable to provide a copy of the special order approving the DMSM, the evidence provided appears to be a valid document and we believe that he did in fact receive the DMSM upon his retirement from the Air Force.  In view of the above, we recommend his records be corrected as indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The Pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 24 June 1992, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), for exceptionally meritorious service.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-02984 in Executive Session on 5 November 2008, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
		Member
		Member

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number     BC-2008-02984 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 July 2008, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 16 September 2008.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 September 2008.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair